Current Population Reports

Survey Data

Current Population Survey

Much of the current population data is derived from the Current Population
Survey (CPS), which is a sample household survey of the noninstitutional
civilian population in the United States. Its primary task is to produce
monthly statistics on unemployment and the labor force, which are
published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in its monthly bulletin
Employment and Earnings. Much of the data collected is also
available at the CPS Internet Site.

The CPS also serves as a vehicle for supplemental studies on subjects
other than employment, such as tobacco use and marital and birth history.

The data from CPS are available in reports and microdata files. From the
basic and supplemental data, the Census Bureau issues three report series:

P20, Population Characteristics
Reports in this series contain information on geographic residence and
mobility; school enrollment; marital status and living arrangements;
households and families; and the Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, and
Hispanic populations. These reports, many of which were issued every
year, are now issued every-other-year. In the off year, detailed tables
may be accessed online, free of charge, at the Census Bureau's
Internet Site.

P23, Special Studies
Information pertaining to methods, concepts, or specialized data is
furnished in these publications. In addition, this series includes
occasional reports on family life, women, voter turnout, computer use, and
other topics.

P60, Consumer Income and Poverty
Information concerning families, individuals, and households at various
income levels is presented in this group of reports. Data are also
presented on noncash benefits and the relationship of income to age, sex,
race, family size, education, occupation, work experience, and other
characteristics. The letters "RD" for reports occasionally issued in this
and other series refer to "research and development." Such reports use an
experimental approach.

Survey of Income and Program Participation

The Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) is a sample
household survey of the noninstitutional population in the United States
conducted by the Census Bureau. The survey collects data from the same
household over time, usually for 32 months. The survey's principal
purpose is to provide estimates of money and in-kind income and
participation in government programs. Recurrent questions focus on
employment, types of income, and noncash benefits. Periodically, the
survey also includes questions on other topics, such as assets and
liability, disability, and child care. From time to time, special
supplemental questions are also asked.

Population Estimates and Projections

The Census Bureau updates the population figures from the decennial census
of population and housing by issuing estimates in intervening years. The
methods employed to make these estimates include the use of administrative
records, such as those maintained by the U.S. Social Security
Administration and the National Center for Health Statistics.

The Census Bureau also issues population projections. In large part,
these projections are made by the use of statistical methods.